ABA International Opportunities

Besides an abundance of summer programs (first and foremost - W&M's Summer in Spain), the American Bar Association approves two additional methods through which you can pursue legal study at a foreign institution.

Approved semester abroad - These programs are organized by any number of American law schools where the courses are taught in English by professors both of the foreign host institution and the American law school. The course you intend to take must be approved in advance through Dean Jackson and those credits you earn of "C" or higher will be applied to your William & Mary transcript as "pass" credits. Information on "visiting away" (which is what we call taking classes at another ABA approved program) and how to apply for permission to do so is found here.

School-approved individual study programs - The ABA requires this course of study be related to the socio-legal environment of the country in which the foreign institution is located or have an international or comparative focus. In this program, you, the student, must have a supervising professor at both the host school and William & Mary, must have your curriculum approved in advance and must meet all other ABA requirements specific to this program of study. The credits earned of "C" or better will be applied to your William & Mary transcript as "pass" credits.